Advancements in Implantology
The Roundtable video series is a forum for discussion and debate on key topics, trends, and techniques in dentistry. For each edition, Inside Dentistry's editor-in-chief, Robert C. Margeas, DDS, and a panel of experts examine a subject to help expand your knowledge and improve your practice. This month, our panel explores some of the latest advances in the design of implants and the surgical techniques used to place them.
The conversation begins with a discussion about the developments in materials and technologies used in implants that the panel has witnessed during the last several years. Paul Petrungaro, DDS, MS, notes that he has seen many unique changes to implant designs, materials, and compositions that have benefited clinicians. The panel agrees, and Sanda Moldovan, DDS, MS, goes into more detail about advances in ceramic implants and notes that she is "placing more ceramic implants than titanium ones and seeing much better results regarding longevity and survivability." Although the panel members all agree that zirconia implants have already had a significant positive impact on implant dentistry, they also note that it will be a long time before zirconia potentially takes over the market from titanium.
The discussion then moves to guided versus freehand surgery. David A. Little, DDS, acknowledges that technology advancements in virtual surgical planning have made guided surgery a better solution for patient results as well as more cost-effective, but he adds, "When I'm teaching general dentists, I tell them that I want them to learn the digital workflow and how to perform guided surgery, but I emphasize that they need to have the skills to do it without a guide." Although Petrungaro and Moldovan both prefer freehand surgery, they also acknowledge the utility of guides for certain procedures, and all three panelists agree on the importance of mastering the fundamentals of planning regardless of advancements in technology.
To conclude, the panel discusses the exciting future of implant dentistry, including potential advances in new procedures, technologies, materials, and designs as well as evolving patient needs.
Watch the full video on AEGIS TV at aegistv.com.
What You'll Learn
Advances in implant materials and technologies
Benefits of guided versus freehand surgery
Developments in surgical techniques
Meet the Panel
David A. Little, DDS, is an international speaker and a clinical researcher who focuses on implants, technology, digital workflows, and lasers. He maintains a multidisciplinary practice in San Antonio, Texas.
Sanda Moldovan, DDS, MS, is an international speaker and author. She is a diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology and maintains a private practice in Beverly Hills, California.
Paul Petrungaro, DDS, MS, is a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and maintains a private practice in Chicago, Illinois.
